HARRISBURG CITY ISLANDERS
Coach: Bill Becher
2010 Season: Fifth place, USL-2
The Lowdown – The City Islanders are aiming to rebound from a disappointing 2010 season that saw them finish well off the playoff pace in USL-2. The highlight of the 2010 campaign was the club reaching the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup after upsetting the New York Red Bulls 1-0 in the third round.
Key Departures – The biggest loss for the City Islanders this offseason was the move of Sheanon Williams to the Philadelphia Union. After the conclusion of the USL-2 season last year, Williams joined the Union and did enough to earn himself a full place on the roster for this season.
Key Returnees – City Islanders captain Dustin Bixler returns for a seventh season with the club and will expect to maintain the standard of play that saw him named to the USL-2 All-League First Team for the past two seasons. Also returning are Jason Pelletier and Anthony Calvano, both All-League Second Team performers a season ago.
Key Newcomers – One of the major issues for the City Islanders last season was their defense, which was tied for the league-high in goals against with 30. In order to try and address that, Becher has added goalkeeper Chase Harrison and defender Andrew Marshall. Harrison was with the City Islanders in 2009, playing 16 games and recording eight shutouts, and after a season where he was always seemingly on the move he should bring some stability to Harrisburg’s back line.
The Coach’s Opinion – “Our goal as always is to win the Championship. The first goal this year is to get back to the playoffs.” – Bill Becher
If it all goes to plan – With three playoff berths available in the National Division, and two teams in its five-team division in Dayton and F.C. New York that will be in their first professional season, it would appear that Harrisburg should have a good chance to return to the playoffs this season. A lot will depend on how the side is able to play defensively, though, with both of the aforementioned clubs appearing ready to pounce if Harrisburg should falter.